Retired soldier teaches youths how to play brass instruments

FORMER member of the Namibian Defense Force (NDF) Brass Band and a Lutheran church leader, Moses Seibeb, is teaching disadvantaged youths about how to play brass instruments, through the Brass Instrument Training Institute (BITI).

Located at the house of the founder in Katutura, BITI, provides brass music lessons to the Windhoek community, in particular young disadvantaged youths and school drop outs. The institute opened its doors eight years ago.

It is these lessons that are giving the likes of 22-year-old Cadisha Katjizemo hope to one day join the NDF Brass Band.

“He [Seibeb] found me through the church a year ago and has been teaching me how to play a trumpet. I want to join NDF next year and he is helping me,” Katjizemo told Confidente.

Since its launch in 2010, the institution has so far taught over 150 young people. Seibeb said apart from using his own instruments he received his first donations of a trumpet from the German Embassy in 2010, during his institution’s official opening. He also received other instruments from the Industrialisation Trade and SMEs Development Ministry.

“President Geingob [then Minister of Minister of Trade and Industry] said to me ‘add value to the life of the people’ and it is with this words that I started and continue to teach music to young people in Namibia,” he stated.

Seibeb said he started the school with the aim of teaching young people how to create and compose their own music.

“I could perform music and I use to make music and perform but that does not always help. I want young people to learn how to make their own music and not depend to the already made music,” Seibeb stated.

According to the retired NDF brass band member, by teaching young people music composition, he is also hoping to improve the country’s music industry.

“I always tell my learners that I may not be a professor or expert but I know I can teach them something to improve their lives especially the young school drop outs, so I teach them brass band music,” he noted.

Seibeb further pointed out that for him it is not really about the money. Although he demands a registration fee, most of his target market, mostly comprising of grade 10 and 12 drop outs and orphans, cannot really afford to pay him.

“I just want young people to make something of their lives, so if they are willing to learn, I teach them for free. I do not really care about the money and if I teach them really well, the money will come later,”

“I want to plough my talent into the community and I want to make artists. I know everyone is has an ability to an artist and can become an artist, they just need encouragement and guidance,” he said.

The 63-year-old is now looking into transferring the institute into capable hands of a more educated younger person who can help the centre to generate some funds to expand the school.

“I have laid the foundation, now I want to give the school to a more educated person to administer the school and grow it,” Seibeb said.